Previously Sold Items

Martin Brothers Imp playing the Blocks – Robert Wallace Martin

For sale is this delightful and cheeky looking imp playing the blocks. It is in excellent condition, with a very minor old “touch in” to the tip of the block instrument. Otherwise it is in wonderful original condition. It hails from the prominent collection of Barry Stock, a well known collector based out of the UK.

The Martin Brothers Imps are a fascinating and highly collectible series of grotesque figures, each one depicting a whimsical imp engaged in playing various musical instruments. These figures, created by the renowned Martin Brothers, are celebrated for their unique blend of humor, artistry, and intricate craftsmanship. The Martin Brothers—Robert Wallace Martin, Edwin Martin, Walter Martin, and Charles Martin—were pioneers in the field of ceramic art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are best known for their imaginative and often eccentric creations, which have garnered a dedicated following among collectors and art enthusiasts.

For sale we have a gorgeous Doulton Lambeth miniature Hannah Barlow vase, dating to the turn of the century.

Decorated with five horses eating grass and nibbling tree leaves, this diminutive vase is a true delight. With a bronzed stoneware glaze on which Hannah has worked her sgraffito, it is a warm, charming little piece. It would not surprise if a hint of metallic oxides were used as there is a slight lustrousness to the glaze. Measuring 13cm, or just over 5 inches, there are not many Hannah Barlow pieces of this size around!

For sale is a delightful and very early Hannah Barlow Horses jug, dated 1874. Presented with two horses galloping to the front of the jug, wild grasses adorn the rear of the jug. Blue foliate designs dominate the neck up to the top rim and are typical of these early, simpler designs that are more understated than flamboyant. The handle is similarly decorated in repeated blue foliates from bottom to top.

In excellent condition, the piece is highly original, with only a small flake invisibly corrected to the rim. Everything else is correct and original as the day it left the factory. Stamped with the early oval Doulton Lambeth mark and dated 1874. Hannah Barlow’s initials are clear beneath as well as a production code.

This is a superb piece of Doulton Lambeth history which displays superbly and has a wonderful glaze to it. Should you be interested, you will not be disappointed adding it to your collection!

For sale is wonderful early piece of Doulton Lambeth Faience, dated 1875. Decorated by artist Mary Capes, it is what I consider a really bright and joyful piece to behond. Mary has been flamboyant, bringing pink/red hibiscus type florals and smaller yellow flowers into an intricate foliage. Interspersed, are angular, almost kaleidoscope shapes which add real interest to the aesthetic. Borders on the neck narrow, mid-body and foot use different blues to create a wonderful contrast and they keep the piece light and perfect to lift a room.

Standing 23cm tall, and 13cm wide, this is a perfect size for the collector, being flexible and presentable in or out of a lit cabinet.

Beneath are the early oval Doulton Lambeth stamps, 1875, and the painted on initials for Mary Capes. All presents correctly.

For sale is this diminutive vase, likely to have been made by Edwin Martin, the youngest of the Martin Brothers. This vase is tiny  – 4cm tall by 3.75cm wide! In low light, one might mistake it as being black, but under light a strong blue shows through. With a delicate little top rim, and traditional rounded shape, it really is a vase in miniature!

For sale is a stunning and substantial Late Cornflower vase by William Moorcroft, dating between 1925-1935. Decorated with eight large cornflowers in pinks and purples, the vase absolutely explodes with colour. Contrasting wonderfully against a white background, it displays extremely well and is an eye catching centre piece. At 9 inches or 23cm tall and with a circumference of almost 20 inches or 50cm, this is a fabulous size and worthy of any discerning collection.

For sale is a wonderful, early Martin Brothers aquatic jug dated January 1884.

Aquatic Jug – Robert Wallace Martin

The Martin Brothers were renowned for their extraordinary skill in ceramics, known for their unique and imaginative designs. This jug, likely crafted by Robert Wallace Martin, embodies these characteristics. Robert, the eldest of the Martin brothers, was celebrated for his detailed and creative work. His pieces often drew inspiration from nature, as seen in the lifelike representations of marine life on this jug.

Condition and authenticity depiction of the skate, mackerel, and eels adds a dynamic and captivating element to the piece. These features are typical of Robert Wallace Martin’s work, known for infusing personality

In summary, this piece is beautiful, highly original  and its condition is immaculate, with no damage or restoration. The detailed skate, mackerel, and eels, set against a naturalistic background, showcase the remarkable skill and creativity of the Martin Brothers. Signed and dated January 1884, this jug is a valuable and collectible example of their early work, sure to be cherished by the discerning collector.

For sale we have a superb quality double-gourd Florian Daisy vase by William Moorcroft dating to around 1902. An early piece of Florian Ware in the daisy pattern, with its vibrant green and blue hues, is not just a decorative item but a testament to Moorcroft’s artistic vision and technical skill. This piece captures the essence of the Art Nouveau movement and the early 20th-century fascination with nature, making it a prized artifact from the golden age of British art pottery.

In excellent original condition with no chips, cracks or prior restoration. The piece is signed “W Moorcroft Des” in green ink entirely correct for the period.

For sale is this exquisite, early Florian Ware vase by William Moorcroft, dating to around 1902. Decorated with what we believe to be forget-me-nots surrounded by whisps of foliage, it is a little firecracker at only 7cm tall! With warm blues and greens, under light in our cabinets it really does look magnificent. The whole vase from top to toe is brimming with decoration which also makes it so appealing.

William Moorcroft at the time of making this piece was working for James MacIntyre & Co, where he became very successful with Florian Ware and after they closed his department, he continued in his own name to go onto become one of the most successful art potters of his time.

Offered for sale in excellent original condition, this vase has had no damage or restoration. It has the “William Moorcroft Des” signature in green, present and correct for the period. “Des” indicated he was the designer working for MacIntyre and is most often seen following his name on these early pieces.

For sale is what can only be described as an “uber-rare” Doulton Lambeth bowl by renowned artist Florence Barlow. It dates to 1877 – a lovely early piece. With birds in relief scrolling down to form feet, this is the only piece of its kind I have seen by Florence Barlow, or even remotely similar! Florence focussed on birds – yes – but she painted remarkably realistic birds in the pate-sur-pate technique onto the facia of her pieces. On this earlier piece, Florence has executed beautiful and bold aesthetic design to the main body, of which I have seen examples before. She has then opted to add three birds gracing the sides and footing of the bowl, which take its quality to the next level.

The bowl stands 13.5cm high but significantly wider at 23cm. It therefore has a lovely presence and its moderate size would suit a collectors cabinet or be a centre piece on a hall table, sideboard or mantle.

Presented in outstanding original condition, there are no chips, cracks or restoration. The bowl beneath shows the round Doulton Lambeth stamp and date 1877. It further shows the signature of Florence Barlow “FEB” together with assistant marks and code numbers.

For sale is an exceptionally high quality Doulton Lambeth bowl, dating 1875. Made by renowned early artist Arthur Barlow, he was the brother to similarly famous Hannah Barlow. The bowl is intricately decorated to the body in typical, rich 1870’s style, with strong influences from George Tinworth. This can be observed by the beaded scrollwork around the circumference, and the two cherub-like putti emerging from trumpeted flowers. The putti are highly likely the work of Tinworth or John Broad, known to add collaboration design to other artists’ pieces. The colours and rich glaze are glorious. The blues are vibrant, and the purple tones so, so alluring.